You want to make sure that your last night in 2011 turns out to be a memorable one minus the unbearable crowds, endless lines, and heavy-drinking. If that’s the case, take a look at our list of the best dining options in Istanbul for New Year’s Eve. Most have a set menu, some host post-dinner parties (albeit not too crazy ones), and all ensure a great transition from 2011 to 2012.

Lucca: Start the New Year at Bebek’s hot-spot Lucca with a special tapas menu that features Jerusalem artichoke soup, a cheese plate, sea bass, mushroom ravioli, foie gras, and duck ragu. The meal will cost 180 TL, including 2 glasses of wine and a glass of champagne. There won’t be a crazy party after dinner, but there’ll be music playing until 02:00am. Cevdetpaşa Caddesi No. 51/B, Bebek; P: (0212) 257 12 55  

Sunset: Enjoy a night of delicious food and awe-inspiring views of Istanbul at Sunset Grill & Bar. The starters of the set menu will include octopus carpaccio with white radish and celery stalk, scallop wrapped with shredded pastry and served with truffle yuzu sauce, sorbet, and arugula salad with avocado and pomegranate. For the main, you’ll have four options to choose from: oven-baked duck, caramelized risotto with apples, Hoisin sauce, and mustard; or beef tenderloin with basil, mashed potatoes, and red wine reduction sauce; or Chilean sea bass with truffle slices and truffle oil; or stuffed turkey with chestnut and brussels sprouts. Dessert will be a regal chocolate soufflé. Post-dinner entertainment will be held by dance music DJ Yener Katırcıoğlu after 11:00pm. All this will cost 400 TL plus tax including all local and standard international drinks. Adnan Saygun Caddesi Yol Sokak No. 2 Ulus Parkı, Ulus; P: (0212) 287 03 57  

X Restaurant: If you want to combine great food with great views of the Golden Horn, consider spending New Year’s Eve at X Restaurant. Their six-course set menu includes caviar, yogurt, and shallots; king crab salad with green apple, baked tomato, and lettuce; spaghetti with octopus, cherry tomatoes, and parsley; and passion fruit and mango sorbet. You’ll have two choices for the main: lobster tail with almonds or grilled beef tenderloin, both served with porcini french fries and garlic-flavored parsley sauce. For dessert, enjoy the coffee-flavored dome and hazelnut crisps. The price of the menu excluding drinks is 180TL plus tax. There’ll be a DJ playing a mix of house, pop, and chillout. For reservations, call (0212) 244 71 01. IKVS Deniz Palas Sadi Konuralp Caddesi No: 5, Şişhane. P: (0212) 334 08 45 

Mikla: Mikla offers one of the best views of Istanbul - you’ve got to see it to believe it! And if you haven’t been there before, New Year’s Eve is a great excuse. Mikla’s eight course food-and-wine pairing menu features bonito with sour apple and rye; shrimp with spinach and mullet roe; grouper with potatoes,  lemon, and dill; lamb with rice, dried fruits, and yoghurt; cheese plate; pumpkin, pistachio, sesame, molasses; and petit fours. The accompanying drinks menu features Moët & Chandon, Brut Impérial, France (Champagne); Adam, Riesling Reserve (2008), Alsace, France; Michel Laroche, Chablis (2009), Burgogne, France; Angelo Gaja, Promis (2008), Toscana, Italy; Passito, Ben Rye (2007), Pantelleria, Sicilia, Italy.Dinner is served between 06:30pm and 11:30pm, and costs 250 Euros per person. Feel free to stick around after dinner for a DJ performance that will last until 02:00am. The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 167/185, Beyoğlu. P: (0212) 293 56 56  

Delicatessen: If New Year’s Eve is not a big deal for you but you’d still like to celebrate in one way or another, dinner at Delicatessen will suit your mood. There is not a special celebration, just Delicatessen’s great food and atmosphere. The venue will close down by 02:30am, and there sure won’t be a crazy party. Reservations can be made for up to twelve people. Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi No.19/1, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 225 06 04  

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